Page 71 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

Cole let his brother’s apology sink in. He hadn’t realized how much he’d been wanting to hear him say that.

“So you’re saying you’re bossy?” Cole suggested, lifting an eyebrow. His brother tipped his head down with a huff of amusement as well as an acknowledgment of the truth.

Cole’s chest felt tight, and a lump of emotion seemed to be lodged in his throat. Levi had told him that he should stay, step in, take charge of April’s life and make everything better. So had Brant, but in a slightly different way. It hadn’t been what April had wanted, though. And afraid that revealing her wishes would cause her further judgment from the family she needed, Cole had remained silent, taking his lumps. When he’d left the next morning, no doubt Levi had felt he was to blame, as had Brant, not knowing there was so much more to the story.

“Laura’s been telling me I get caught up in thinking that my way is the only way. I’m learning that’s not always true.”

“You didn’t send me away.”

“You probably could have used a brother that night. Instead of listening, I dictated what I thought was best.”

“Levi, I didn’t leave because of you. I left because it was what April wanted and needed.” He let his brother consider that. “And trust me. Everyone in the family had similar conversations with me that night. There were a lot of opinions about what I should do, and none of them were what April wanted. She’s important to this family. She’s a Wylder, and not just because she married Brant. April’s always been one of us, and I needed to let her have this family and this town. She was going through some tough stuff and needed the support. If I was here, it would have made it tougher. She asked for space and I agreed. She didn’t ask me to leave. I did it because it was for the best.”

“You stayed away a long time,” Levi stated.

“And now I’m home.”

“Some reception you’ve gotten,” he said, tsking regretfully.

“I have fences to mend.”

“Well, consider this one mended, because I’m truly sorry for judging you, for not supporting you and for not calling sooner.”

“What was with those voice mails, anyway?” Cole asked, amused. He imitated his brother’s tight tone in the messages. “‘Levi here. Levi Wylder.’”

His brother laughed, his expression softening with humor. “I was trying, man.” It felt as though they were back working on the corral earlier in the season. Replacing the weak boards with new ones, protecting and strengthening the fence with fresh stain so it would last for years to come.

“Well, I appreciated it.” Even though he hadn’t known how to respond.

“I’m not done,” Levi said, growing serious again. “You’re an equal partner in this ranch, and while I haven’t taken the time to bring you up to speed around here, I hope to do so soon.” He angled his head, watching Cole. “If you’re interested.”

Cole stared at him, the question hanging in the air. Should he stay? Did he want this life? And could his brother trust him to have his back once again?

The answer to all those questions was yes.

Cole stepped forward and gripped Levi’s hand firmly. “You can count on me, big bro.”

* * *

Jackie sat across from Cole at a small table in The Watering Hole, the end of April only two weeks away. They were both drinking whiskey, which was a direct result of Cole betting Jackie she couldn’t pull off wearing a pink feather boa around town. Or wouldn’t want to. She had, and so now they had glasses of dirt-cheap whiskey sitting in front of them, and were making funny faces over every sip.

“Thanks for helping Mrs. Fisher back in February and then again this month,” Travis Nestner said, giving Cole a pat on the back. The mayor caught Daisy-Mae as she hustled past, filling in as a server. “Their next round is on me.” She nodded and carried on.

“Man, we should switch to the good stuff,” Cole told Jackie.

“Don’t you dare,” Travis said.

Cole chuckled. He and Jackie had helped the Fishers again because the yard work had needed doing and they’d been footloose and fancy free on Saturday a few weeks back.

Travis shook Cole’s hand, and Jackie could see the approval shining in his eyes. “It’s nice having you home.”

“Thanks,” Cole said, leaning his elbows on the table as the mayor walked away, meeting up with his wife, Donna, for a dance.

“I’ll be leaving your reputation in good standing,” Jackie said.

The silence between them grew, and she turned to watch Levi and Laura dance. She’d never felt awkward sitting in silence when she was with Cole, except lately. The countdown to her leaving Sweetheart Creek was looming, like a clock that grew louder with every tick. And her move had a date now, an address.

She’d have to tell him she’d found a place, but right now she wanted to enjoy these waning moments together, since each day felt more and more as though this thing between them was over.

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